Notorious child killer Susan Smith will learn on Wednesday, November 20, whether she will receive a reduction in her prison sentence for the tragic deaths of her two sons. Smith is set to appear virtually before the South Carolina Board of Paroles and Pardons from Leath Correctional Institution in Greenwood.
Eligible for parole since November 4, 2024, Smith has completed one-third of her life sentence. She was sentenced to life in prison after admitting to a horrific act in which she rolled her car into a lake with her 3-year-old and 14-month-old sons in the vehicle. This shocking incident drew national attention, particularly after Smith fabricated a story that ignited a widespread search for her children.
On October 25, 1994, Smith visited the home of the McCloud family, claiming that she was carjacked by a Black man who forced her to drive away and left her children behind. Nine days later, she confessed that she had intended to take her own life that night, but instead, she pushed her car with the boys strapped in their car seats into the lake and then fabricated her story to the McClouds.
In 1995, a jury convicted her of two counts of murder, resulting in a life sentence.
At the upcoming parole hearing, David Smith, the father of Michael and Alexander, expressed that he would speak from the heart. He intends to convey to the board that the 30 years Susan Smith has served is inadequate punishment for the loss of his sons. “I want to look at them. I want to look them in the eyes the whole time I’m speaking to them, and hopefully that will make an impact,” David stated.
The Board will also consider Smith’s behavior during her imprisonment. In August 2024, she faced charges related to utilizing unauthorized communication devices to contact a documentary filmmaker and other infractions, including possession of contraband and inappropriate relationships with corrections officers.
On the same day, hearings for 50 inmates are scheduled, with Susan Smith being one of nine convicted murderers under consideration for parole.
This case continues to evoke strong emotions, reflecting a broader societal issue involving justice and accountability. As the hearing approaches, many hope it will foster a deeper conversation about the consequences of violent actions and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable lives. Regardless of the outcome, this tragic story serves as a reminder of the value of compassion and the need for a supportive community.